Tech-West Virginia on Oct. 13. Remember what it was like a decade ago when the Philip Rivers’ NC State team and the Eli Manning Ole Miss team came to Lubbock? Geno Smith and the Mountaineers are the most attractive intersectional opponent since then, plus it’s conference.

Which non-starter will emerge and make a name for himself?

Javon Bell. Not sure exactly how he does it, since Darrin Moore and Bradley Marquez play the same position. But Bell can be a difference maker, even sharing time.

How — and where — will the Red Raiders end the season?

The Red Raiders finish 7-6 by winning a low-level bowl. They’ll be better than last year, but maybe not enough for a big pop in the record.

Is Tommy Tuberville on the hot seat?

Not unless there’s a repeat of 2011. The last two signing classes have some serious talent. If some of it shows up this season, Tuberville will be around to develop it.

Nick Kosmider

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading rusher?

Eric Stephens. Though he may be brought back slow at first, the senior approaches the season hungry after knee surgery and eager to regain the form that had him on pace to be a 1,000-yard rusher in 2011. Stephens was taking hits at the end of fall camp, leaving little doubt that he’s physically ready.

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading receiver?

Eric Ward. The junior seemed to only be getting started when he caught a single-game school record 16 passes in the season finale against Baylor, and he landed himself on the preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list. Though the ball should be more spread around a deep receiver corps, Ward will still be quarterback Seth Doege’s top target.

How much will quarterback Michael Brewer play?

The redshirt freshman will be used just enough to keep defenses off balance, providing an added element with his ability to make plays with his legs. Tech coach Tommy Tuberville and offensive coordinator Neal Brown have said since spring practice that they plan to find spots for Brewer to see action, and he’s done nothing to dissuade them during a strong fall.

Who will be the team leader in sacks?

Branden Jackson. No returning player on the Tech defense had more than two sacks last season, so this category is wide open, but Jackson’s speed and 6-foot-4, 255-pound frame make him an intriguing pass-rushing threat. Jackson, who redshirted last season, predicts sacking a quarterback in college will feel like winning the lotto. Here’s guessing he has the winning numbers.

Which game interests you most?

The Oct. 20 game at TCU. The Red Raiders will be hitting the road after a monstrous two-week stretch at home against Oklahoma and West Virginia and could be in desperate need for a win. Tech and TCU have the ingredients of a strong future rivalry — proximity, shared recruiting turf, the whole battle for Texas thing — and the inaugural Big 12 matchup between the two seems like a great place to start.

Which non-starter will emerge and make a name for himself?

Bradley Marquez. Bottom line: The Odessa High product is reliable, and a sure-handed receiver is a quarterback’s best friend. Marquez doesn’t always make your jaw drop with his speed or maneuverability, but he has a knack for being in the right place and knows how to get open.

How — and where — will the Red Raiders end the season?

The Red Raiders will finish 8-5, capitalizing on a season-ending win against Baylor with a victory against a Pac-12 opponent in the Holiday Bowl. The improvement over 2011’s 5-7 finish will be attributed to an offense that produces a running game throughout the season — not just the first half — and a defense that finds ways to force turnovers on a more regular basis.

Is Tommy Tuberville on the hot seat?

Not to nearly the degree some think. Sure, if another losing season also includes a handful of lopsided defeats, particularly at home, Tuberville could be in trouble. But the prospects of such a collapse don’t seem likely after a pair of talented recruiting classes have boosted depth that wasn’t unavailable to Tuberville and his staff last season.

Zach Long

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading rusher?

SaDale Foster. With Eric Stephens and DeAndre Washington coming back from injuries, expect Foster to get ample work the first three weeks. Foster has a gear of speed different than any other back on the roster.

Who will be Texas Tech’s leading receiver?

Bradley Marquez. The sophomore is poised for a breakout season. He has a great work ethic and the attitude necessary to excel as a major-college receiver. He will work hard for yards and rack up big numbers.

How much will backup quarterback Michael Brewer play?

Seth Doege is the leader of this offense and the season will go as he does. Brewer provides a tough-nosed running quarterback to provide an occasional distraction to keep defenses off balance, but do not expect a merry-go-round quarterback rotation.

Who will be the team leader in sacks?

Delvon Simmons. It would be safe to put Simmons or fellow McKeesport, Pa., product Branden Jackson in this spot. Simmons, though, has looked every part of a “destroyer of worlds” form and will be a force in the Big 12 this season.

Which game interests you most?

Iowa State. This game has been circled ever since the schedule came out this summer. The trip to Ames opens Big 12 play and will send the message to everyone as to whether this team has solved its defensive problems. Lose to the Cyclones and the Red Raiders could easily be home for the holidays ... again.

Which non-starter will emerge and make a name for himself?

Javon Bell. The junior college transfer has shown explosive power as a receiver. His ability to accelerate and separate from defensive backs will force more playing time and a spotlight role.

How — and where — will the Red Raiders end the season?

8-5. The defense looks faster and more developed through preseason practice. Putting faith in that unit may be costly, but ultimately I think the offense is going to be a mess to handle for opposing defenses, and the Red Raiders end up in the Meineke Car Care of Texas Bowl.

Is Tommy Tuberville on the hot seat?

Coaching is a business and every major college coach knows this. Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt has to see improvement with the football program. Another sub .500 season and Texas Tech will be dealing with a coaching search come December.